ALBANY – Some Republicans are privately calling on Gov. Pataki to take a more active role as talks to avert a transit strike enter the tense final week.

“The governor is in charge of the transit system,” said one official close to both Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg.

“Where is he? The governor is busy running his lame ass off to Iowa and acting like there isn’t a problem around. There is no leadership at all.”

The official added: “The governor is AWOL. It’s astounding how neglectful this is.”

Actually, Pataki was with Bloomberg yesterday morning in lower Manhattan to help inaugurate the rehabilitated Verizon building near Ground Zero.

Pataki said he was optimistic a settlement would be reached without his intervention.

“I know all sorts of rhetoric occurs during the final stages of labor negotiations,” Pataki said.

“My goal, and hope, is at the end of this all parties negotiate in good faith and we get a fair contract for the workers and the riders. I’m confident that can happen.”

Bloomberg agreed there’s a certain amount of posturing that’s inevitable in labor talks. He also made it clear this isn’t his battle to fight.

“Look, I’m not going to get involved in the negotiations between the TWU and the MTA,” Bloomberg said. “They are facing each other. It is tough enough for both of those organizations to come to an agreement . . . I think the last thing they need is people publicly outside criticizing.”

One City Hall source speculated that a deal would come together but not much before the deadline at midnight on Dec. 15.

“That’s the way it played out the last time,” said the source. “It was resolved that night.”

Another official with knowledge of the negotiations said the governor’s direct involvement probably wouldn’t move the militant TWU.

“Remember, this guy [TWU chief Roger Toussaint] told the mayor to shut up,” said the official, referring to the previous round of bargaining.

“This man is not going to be swayed by the presence of the governor. Unless the city or the state comes in and says, ‘Here’s another $100 million or $200 million,’ it’s not going to make a difference.”

Pataki indicated he wouldn’t hesitate to invoke the Taylor Law and its tough penalties if there is a walkout.

“That would be a terrible mistake, and I would certainly urge them to obey the law,” he said.